WISH Charter Elementary School is a free public
independent charter school within the boundaries of the Los Angeles
Unified School District (LAUSD). WISH serves students in
Kindergarten though fifth grade. Each element of the WISH model is
research-based and grounded in best practices in the field of
education. WISH is located on the Westside of Los Angeles in
Westchester, at 8820 Sepulveda Eastway, Los Angeles, CA
90045.
The WISH mission is to maximize every child's learning potential
within an atmosphere of caring and belonging. The WISH
instructional philosophy rests upon the concepts of hands-on
learning, meaningful instructional activities, systematic
instruction, and a collaborative group of professionals working
together to make the learning environment exciting for students.
Evidence-based teaching strategies are tailored to meet individual
development.
WISH is modeled after the award-winning CHIME Charter Elementary
School in Woodland Hills, which received the distinction of
"Charter School of the Year" by the US Department of Education in
2005.
Core elements of the WISH model
- Optimal Class Size: All grade K-3 classrooms
have approximately 20 students. Grades 4 and 5 have 25
students. Small class size ensures that the individual needs of the
diverse student community can be met using data-driven
decision-making processes and innovative curriculum.
- Collaborative Teaming: Highly qualified,
credentialed teachers, designated instructional service providers,
supervised student teachers, and paraprofessionals work together in
the classroom. Teams hold daily debriefing meetings where each
practitioner identifies a success, challenge, and action for
serving students better tomorrow. Debriefing develops shared
responsibility and accountability between practitioners. It
provides a daily forum to work together to develop and implement
innovative curriculum and instructional strategies for all
students. Grade-level teams co-plan, co-assess, and co-teach.
- Differentiated Instruction: Through
individualized learning profiles, WISH empowers and inspires
learners to reach their highest potential. WISH prepares students
to be leaders by emphasizing academic achievement, using a variety
of modalities, developing character, building technology skills,
and developing a deep understanding of the world.
- Family Partnerships: The WISH Community
Association (WCA) is comprised of parents, teachers, staff members
and community members. Working together we have built an incredible
public school that is responsive to each child we serve. Volunteers
are central to the success of WISH. The partnerships built with
families have led to a thriving and nurturing environment for
children.
- All Children Belong: Each class builds a
strong, inclusive community together! The exceptional teachers at
WISH are highly trained to provide rich access to all students
using GATE strategies, differentiated instruction, technology and
hands-on learning experiences. Important academic, social, and
ethical skills and attitudes are developed when students with
various strengths, needs and backgrounds learn together.
- Affiliation with Loyola Marymount University's School
of Education: As a research to practice site, WISH Charter
engages in continual study with university professors, pre-service
practitioners, and in-service specialists in order to provide an
instructional model that ensures innovation and maintains best
practices. LMU's nationally recognized School of Education is
located in close proximity to the WISH campus. WISH faculty
received a competitive two-year grant to refine and develop Math
and Science instruction from the Cotsen Foundation provided by
LMU's College of Education CMAST center. The CMAST (Center for Math
and Science Technology) professors from LMU and teacher leaders
work directly with WISH faculty through this prestigious
apprenticeship and experiential model for professional
development.
Constructivist approach to
Learning
"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I
understand." Chinese proverb
WISH adheres to the idea that children learn best by
utilizing the principles of the constructivist theory.
Constructivism emphasizes an internal-oriented approach in which by
asserting one's knowledge, as well as participating in the learning
process itself, learning is constructed by learner's interpretation
of their own experiences. Learners benefit from working
collaboratively in groups so that they can hear different
perspectives and accomplish the learning tasks with the help of
their peers and experts. Learning is an active process that is
facilitated when learners are given chances to express and evaluate
their own thinking.
Grade Levels
WISH offers instruction in grades transitional K through five. The
total enrollment in year one of operation was 140 students, in year
two it was 220 students, and this year it is 290 students. WISH
anticipates about 380 students by year five.
An Innovative Learning Community
WISH inspires and motivates students using innovative curriculum,
technology and hands on learning activities.